Social skills: the only thing robots lack
WOMEN’S superior social skills mean they have less to fear than men from the rise of robots in the workplace, a study suggests.
It found women are taking a greater share of top jobs that still require a human touch amid the increasing automation of business and industry.
The study, published by the Centre for Economic Policy Research, was based on records of collegeeducated Americans who went on to take the most responsible jobs.
It found that in 1980 just over 66% of male graduates worked in high-paying “cognitive” jobs requiring brains rather than brawn, for example as company managers, doctors, accountants, software engineers and economists.
By 2000, the share of men in such jobs had dropped to 63%, while the number of women in such jobs rose from 54% to almost 59%.
Author Nir Jaimovich, professor of economics at the University of Zurich, said: “In a world with accelerating automation, the results suggest the growing importance of social skills. In other words, as technology increasingly seems to replace non-social labour, perhaps what is left is more interpersonal work.”
The report said a rising demand for social skills such as empathy, communication and emotion recognition had increased the share of female employment in good jobs. Psychological research indicated that women had a comparative advantage in such skills. MY PHONE is on me at all times to make sure I don’t miss a step (my goal is 11 000). And I’m not alone in my pursuit of a daily step goal. Step counters are built into all iPhones (check out the “Health” app), #10000steps is a popular Instagram hashtag, and watches with pedometers and heart monitors adorn many wrists.
People who faithfully adhere to 10 000 daily steps or who scold themselves for not reaching a daily goal may be surprised to learn that this widely accepted target did not originate as the result of years of scientific research. Instead, it grew out of the marketing campaign for a Japanese pedometer invented in 1965. The name of the pedometer was Manpo-kei (10 000-step meter), and the ads for the device said, “Let’s walk 10 000 steps a day”. More than 50 years later, the idea that adults need to walk 10 000 steps a day retains its power.
Over the years, many researchers have studied the 10 000-step number to see if it holds weight. The answer is yes, and no. Although 10 000 steps is not universally appropriate for all ages, genders and levels of physical function, it is considered “a reasonable target for healthy adults”, according to a 2011 research review published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity.
But does that mean that using a step counter improves your health? Research shows mixed results. Benefits could include increased physical activity and motivation to exercise; reduced anxiety and better mood; and improved glucose tolerance and blood sugar levels. Although some studies show that step counting can help control blood pressure levels and reduce body weight, at least in the short term, other studies have shown this is not the case.
Here’s how to do it.
First, spend a few weeks tracking your average daily steps. Then, gradually increase your activity week by week. You can boost your chances of successfully increasing your activity level by linking your steps to additional support systems, such as a partner or a motivational app.
As you work toward meeting your own target, keep these three truths in mind. One, the quality of the physical activity matters more than the actual number of steps that appears on your pedometer. Getting 10 000 steps from window shopping isn’t as beneficial as a brisk walk. Your pedometer counts them equally, but your body doesn’t. To be truly active, aim for at least 100 steps a minute.
Two, if step counts become too difficult to meet and make you feel bad about yourself, it’s not the right plan. Physical activity should be enjoyable, not stressful and harmful.
Finally, remember that step counting isn’t a complete picture of how active you are. Pedometers don’t measure physical activities such as biking, yoga or swimming. And, as with calories, it’s best not to obsess over figures when tracking steps. It’s the big picture – being more active – that matters.
Rosenbloom is a registered dietitian and author.